RO/DI vs. RO ONLY?

[jbjints]

I am setting my reef tank up again after about a year that it has been out of commission and I am sick of using the tap water purifier and wanted to upgrade to either a RO/DI or a RO only system.

My problem is that I am a little low on cash and wanted to purchase a RO only system for now instead of a combo RO/DI, the price difference I hear is noticeable, does anyone have any input on if I was to purchase a RO only for now instead of the combo RO/DI and maybe add the DI later?

Does anyone have any idea on the cost of a RO only system?

Thanks in advance.

Joe

[Reefland]

You can get 2 and 3 stage RO units at various prices.

From AquaFX:
2 Stage Unit 50gpd - $99
2 Stage Unit 100gpd - $110

3 Stage Unit 50gpd - $149
3 Stage Unit 100gpd - $169

4 Stage Units $219 and up.
They also used to have a Value Line however I don't see it on their site. You may ant to contact Marianne and inquire.

Aquatic Reef Systems has "Value Line" products from which you can select a 4 Stage RO/DI 50gpd unit for $159.

Looking to get a water filtration unit of some kind is a very good idea; for the $159 I would look into the 4 stage RO/DI unit from ARS that way you don't have to worry about additions down the road and you will get some quality water from the unit.

Regards,
Scott Z.

[jbjints]

I was looking to possibly buy a RO system from ebay, this one any good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=20758

I was also told that my Tap Water Purifier acts as a DI filter, that true?

[scubadude]

I was looking to possibly buy a RO system from ebay, this one any good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=20758

I was also told that my Tap Water Purifier acts as a DI filter, that true?

Hi JB

Some tap water purifiers are just that...a DI filter....but anyone can build a cheapo (Non DI filter, maybe a carbon) and call it a Tap Water purifier, so be weary, but you probably do have the DI filter.

As far as your EBAY link here is a quote from the link

This unit is 3-4 years old. The RO membrane is original. I have a set of new prefilters unopened that I will throw in. It works fine. Getting out of the hobby.

I can almost guarantee you that the RO membrane is JUNK! and that is where your money is not the new prefilters that he is offering to throw in. IMO your better off going with the 50GPD unit that scott posted above in the link for $100 your RO membrane for the ebay system would cost you close to $50 bux anyway....just buy a new setup it doesnt usually pay to buy used. FWIW you can always add on a DI filter but as long as you change your Prefilters then you can extend your RO membrane drastically.....I would ditch the idea (for now anyway if $ is an issue) of DI but spend a few bux on getting a TDS meter that will allow you to monitor the quality of the water coming out of the RO unit. HTH

Rocky

[jbjints]

Is this one any good? How often do you have to change the filters or does that depend on brandname?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2342123573

[Reefland]

The second one you linked to doesn't "look" bad but I am never sure about purchasing from an unknown source. I mean we know that AquaFX and ARS provide good service, just not sure about these people. But again, the filter doesn't look bad at all.

Scott

[jbjints]

Could you link me the sites for AquaFX and ARS? I searched through google and couldn't fine them.

[Reefland]

Check out our Sponsors page:
http://www.reefland.com/sponsors.php

;)
Scott Z.